How to Fix a Leaky Pipe Until the Plumber Arrives
It’s the middle of the night, and you notice a leaky pipe in your bathroom. You call a professional plumber for emergency repairs, and they agree to come out right away – but in the meantime, water is spraying everywhere. What do you do?
5 Steps to Fix a Leaky Pipe
As a temporary fix for your leaky pipe, try the following steps. Fixing the pipe won’t permanently solve the problem, but it can help minimize the damage until the professional plumber arrives.
1. Stop the Water Flow
Before you can fix a leaky pipe, you need to stop water from flowing through it. If you’re not sure where to find the water supply valve for that particular pipe, turn off your home’s main shut-off valve. Then, run the faucet closest to the leak to drain away any remaining water.
2. Wipe the Pipe Dry
No fix will stick well to a wet surface, so take a clean cloth and dry off the pipe. While you’re at it, wipe the surrounding cabinets and fixtures, mop the floor and clear the area. By doing so, you can prevent further damage and ready the room for the professional plumber to complete the repair.
3. Tighten the Joints
Look at the plumbing in the area of the pipe leak and use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nearby joints. The fittings may already be tight, but if they aren’t, tightening them can help form a stronger seal, making your temporary fix job last until the professional plumber arrives.
4. Prepare the Pipe
To successfully fix a leaky pipe, you need to make sure the surface is smooth – otherwise, the fix won’t stick. Using a piece of sandpaper or a metal file, gently remove any rust and rough spots surrounding the spot of the leak.
5. Patch the Pipe
The way you temporarily fix a leaky pipe while you wait for the professional plumber to arrive depends upon what you have on hand. Epoxy putty can work – simply break off a piece, knead it in your hands, then push it in and around the crack or hole. A piece of neoprene or rubber from a garden hose along with a few pipe clamps can also seal the leaky spot.
If you don’t have any epoxy putty or pipe clamps, reach for the duct tape. Wrap several layers around the leaky pipe, applying it as tightly as you can, and the fix should hold until the professional plumber arrives.
American Plumbing Services is always available to perform emergency repairs. Based in Provo, we serve homeowners throughout the greater Salt Lake City area and the surrounding northern Utah communities. Our highly skilled professional plumbers have over ten years of industry experience, and we can provide an affordable, effective repair solution.
If you have a leaky pipe and need a professional plumber, contact American Plumbing Services anytime.